October 11, 2012 6:10pm EDTOctober 11, 2012 12:09pm EDTCoach Rex Ryan said Wednesday that he still has confidence in embattled QB Mark Sanchez, and that Sanchez—not backup Tim Tebow—“is our starting quarterback this week, barring injury.” But what if he struggles?

J.P. Pelzman

Published on Oct. 11, 2012

Oct. 11, 2012

Coach Rex Ryan said Wednesday that he still has confidence in embattled QB Mark Sanchez, and that Sanchez—not backup Tim Tebow—“is our starting quarterback this week, barring injury.”

Not exactly the most ringing endorsement, so it will be interesting to see what happens if the Jets lose to Indianapolis on Sunday and/or if Sanchez struggles in that game.

Ryan praised Tebow, as he usually does when asked about the backup QB who has generated much more headlines and buzz than actual yardage in his limited amount of playing time. Yet he stopped short of echoing Johnson’s proclamation, saying there’s “no guarantee” any Jet will finish out his contract with the team.

Still, it would be surprising if the Jets went with Tebow as their starter Oct. 21 at New England. The Patriots’ often-shaky defense figured Tebow out quickly last season as a starter for the Broncos. After he drove Denver to touchdowns on its first two possessions in a Dec. 18 matchup, Tebow’s offense was limited to 20 points over the next seven quarters against New England, including a lopsided playoff loss.

Tebow’s methodical, run-oriented way of moving the ball simply isn’t a good matchup against Tom Brady and New England’s quick-strike attack.